ADA upgrades enhance patron service at the Liberty Theater

DAYTON-The Touchet Valley Arts Council and the Liberty Theater staff have been working to maximize their welcome to patrons of the Liberty Theater through the use of assistive technology, according to Liberty Theater Manager Mike Ferrians.

"Making public buildings and businesses accessible to all people, regardless of ability is just basic hospitality, it seems to me," Ferrians said.

Ferrians said there are three different devices available for watching movies. They include headphones with battery pack receivers which the patrons have already been using, and two sets of newer headphones that allow for adjusting volumes separately for the soundtrack and for assistive narration.

"This is a recorded voice that provides a running narration of everything going on in the film, from start to finish," he said.

"If traditional headphones benefit those with hearing challenges, the new phones benefit those with hearing and sight challenges," Ferrians said.

He said there are also comfortable induction loops for patrons who wear hearing aids equipped with T-Coils. These are worn around the neck, and they transmit wirelessly to hearing aids and are used in place of headphones.

Closed-caption readers have recently been added to the collection of devices.

"These are long-necked flexible viewers that can be adjusted for your height and viewing preferences. The base clamps into your seat's cupholder, and still provides a space for your drink. All dialogue appears in the viewer, just like it would at the bottom of the movie screen. If more than one language is available for the movie, you can select between languages," he said. "The readers are designed to be unobtrusive to other patrons seated nearby."

Ferrians said these ADA devices would not be possible without the partnership of Blue Mountain Community Foundation for grant funds awarded in September, 2017 for upgrades to make the services available to patrons.

In addition to assistive technology, the theater also offers sensory-friendly screenings of movies for people who require a less intense and more relaxed environment.

Ferrians said family-friendly films are shown with the lights turned up and the movie sound turned down. People are allowed to get up and move around during the movie, he said.

Sensory-friendly films will be shown on Sundays at 12:30 p.m., at normal admission prices.

Anyone is welcome to attend sensory-friendly screenings with the understanding of the special atmosphere that is allowed for them.

The Liberty Theater auditorium is also wheelchair accessible.

"It is crucial that the performing arts be accessible to all," Ferrians said.

The Touchet Valley Arts Council is also open to improving their partnership with other community organizers who serve persons with disabilities, he said.